Sleep Apnea Treatment on the Upper East Side

Minoli & Vijay, DDS PC provides Sleep Apnea services in NEW YORK, NY. Call 212-888-4140 to learn more and schedule your appointment. 

It’s estimated that 35 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea. That’s one out of every five people.

If you count yourself among those suffering from this condition, you’re far from alone. Sleep apnea affects people of all shapes and sizes, men and women, young and old, rich and poor alike.

Sleep apnea is caused when the soft tissue at the back of the tongue collapses during sleep and blocks the airway, causing breathing to cease—sometimes for minutes at a time. This leads to disrupted sleep patterns, which affects productivity and health.

Sleep apnea can cause insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and other health problems. Treatment can help with those symptoms and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. 

Several treatment options are available for sleep apnea. Surgery may be necessary for some people, but many others respond well to nonsurgical treatment options. Several devices can help you get a better night’s sleep.

Frequent snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep are the two most apparent sleep apnea symptoms. It’s important to note that some people with sleep apnea don’t show these symptoms, so if you aren’t sure whether you’re at risk, talk to your dentist or another medical professional about getting tested.

Other possible symptoms of sleep apnea include:

• Headaches and daytime fatigue.
• Loud snoring followed by silence (called a “central sleep apnea event”).
• Shortness of breath.
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering things.
• Depression or anxiety.
• Morning headaches or dizziness when you wake up.

Some causes of sleep apnea are medical and related to how our bodies work, such as high blood pressure or large tonsils. Others involve lifestyle factors such as smoking or being overweight.

The following is a list of known causes and triggers of sleep apnea:

• Obesity: Sleep apnea is highly correlated with being overweight or obese. This may be due to excess fat around the neck, which makes it harder for the muscles to support the weight of the head.
• Anxiety: People who suffer from anxiety may experience hyperventilation syndrome, which causes rapid breathing that can lead to sleep apnea.
• Tongue size: The enlarged tongue can block your airway when you are asleep, especially if it lays in the back of your throat.
• Enlarged adenoids: These glands are located near your tonsils, and they can also affect your airways when you breathe.
• Nasal airway obstruction: A deviated septum or narrowed nasal passages can partially block your airway.
• Sleep position: People who sleep on their backs have a higher risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
• Genetics: If a family member has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may be at risk for developing it as well.
• Age: After age 40, some people may experience the onset of sleep apnea symptoms.

If you have sleep apnea symptoms and aren’t getting a good night’s sleep, talk with your dentist or other health professional.

You should also consider seeking treatment if:

• You snore loudly every time you sleep.
• You feel tired during the day.
• You fall asleep too easily when you don’t want to.
• You feel sleepy during the day, even after a full night’s rest.
• You have a family history of sleep disorders or snoring.

Treatment options include lifestyle changes, devices, surgery, and other medical treatments. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the severity of your sleep apnea, how much it disrupts your sleep, how well you respond to treatment, and other factors.

The best approach for one person may not be the best for another. Your dentist or health professional can help you determine which treatment or combination of treatments is best for you.

A good night’s sleep is essential for your physical health and mental well-being, so don’t ignore symptoms associated with sleep apnea. If you have any questions about treatment options, speak with your dentist or a qualified healthcare provider.

Call 212-888-4140 to schedule your appointment.

Dentists are able to screen and successfully treat mild to moderate forms of sleep apnea.

While there are many different things that can trigger sleep apnea, excessive weight seems to be the most common cause.

A CPAP machine is an option for treating sleep apnea, yes, but it is not the only option. There are several different devices, some quite smaller than a CPAP machine that may work just as well.

Researchers do believe that there is a connection between missing teeth and sleep apnea. Findings show that losing 5 to 8 teeth may increase the risk by as much as 25%. This further confirms that there is a strong connection between oral health and overall health. 

If left untreated, sleep apnea has the ability to lead to serious health complications, such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, heart attacks, obesity, and more. Taking steps to ensure you are getting plenty of oxygen and a good night’s sleep is important for maintaining your overall health.

There are many different lifestyle changes you can make that will help relieve you of sleep apnea, including:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Stop smoking
• Minimize alcohol use
• Talk to your doctor about a nasal decongestant
• Avoid sleeping pills
• Avoid sleeping on your back